Famous for its sunny climate, cultural heritage, stunning cuisine and incredible nightlife, Barcelona is an unmissable destination that’s popular among travellers from across the world! Looking to avoid the tourist traps during your next trip to the Catalonian capital? Check out our guide to Barcelona’s 10 most unusual places to visit!

1. Torre Bellesguard: so you think you’re a Gaudí expert?

What would Barcelona be without Gaudi? The world-renowned Catalan architect has left his mark in plenty of well-known places around the city, from Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batllo. If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track, however, we’d recommend a visit to a little-known manor house called Torre Bellesguard. Built at the beginning of the 20th century for the Figueras family, this house combines art nouveau and traditional gothic features, showing off Gaudí’s style to perfection.

Torre Bellesguard - Calle Bellesguard nº 20 - Barcelona

2. Goleta Karya, for stunning Mediterranean views of Barcelona

A boat trip is a great way to take in the landscapes and monuments which make Barcelona so unique, such as the Collserola mountain range and the Four Columns of Montjuïc, as well as its beaches, from Barceloneta to Sant Sebastià and more. We recommend travelling on board a traditional Turkish schooner - an incredible experience, particularly when the sun sets!

3. El Tomás de Sarrià, for the best papas bravas in Barcelona!

You’re bound to be tempted by tapas in Barcelona, but there’s another culinary speciality you won’t want to miss: papas bravas! Even the most discerning of foodies will fall for this delicious dish, made from cubed potatoes fried in oil and garlic and served with spicy tomato sauce. Get your gastronomic journey underway with a visit to El Tomás de Sarrià: its papas bravas are considered to be the best in town.

El Tomás de Sarrià - Carrer Major de Sarrià, 49 - Barcelona

4. Ancient Barcelona: experience life as a Roman senator

If you’ve already seen Barcelona’s contemporary Torre Glòries and visited Gaudí’s buildings all over the city, it’s time to discover the city’s origins! Surprisingly few people know that Barcelona’s ancient ruins, dating from to the first few centuries AD, are on display at the Barcelona City History Museum. Head down to the basement to learn about Roman Barcelona – and don’t forget to get a glimpse of the ancient city wall! (Toga not required.)

Barcelona City History Museum - Plaça del Rei, s/n - Barcelona

5. Barcelona by night at the Antic Theatre

Night owls and fans of underground venues will love the Antic Theatre, a multi-faceted venue which is both a bar and a cultural centre. Leave the narrow street behind and push open the door to view its beautiful terrace. With its bohemian, creative feel, you won’t be able to resist!

Antic Theatre - Carrer de Verdaguer i Callís, 12 - Barcelona

6. Cocktails at El Bosc de les Fades, for an otherworldly evening

Stroll down La Rambla and make your way to the passatge de la Banca to the bar El Bosc de les Fades. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself unexpectedly transported to a fairy-tale world! With its incredible décor (part magical cave, part enchanted forest) and unique atmosphere, it’s an unmissable destination in our top 10 unusual places to visit in Barcelona.

El Bosc de les Fades - Passatge de la Banca 5 - Barcelona

7. The delightful Mediterranean village of Montgat

We’d be hard pressed to find a traveller who doesn’t love soaking up the sun in Barcelona, especially as the city’s so close to the Mediterranean - impossible to resist the urge to take a dip! That said, Barcelona’s beaches are often extremely crowded and can become dirty during the height of the tourist season. The solution? A day trip to Montgat, a beautiful village just 20 minutes away by train. Enjoy the tranquillity of the beautiful blue sea in true peace and quiet!

Take the train from Plaça Catalunya towards Montgat.

8. Multi-coloured magic at the Fountain of Montjuïc

Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc remains a sight to behold almost a century later. The fountain’s displays of light and water create a magical glow in Montjuïc as night falls - an incredibly romantic spot!

9. From Barcelona to Arizona in the Cactus Park

Barcelona has plenty of parks and gardens, but Mossen Costs i Llobera Garden is undoubtedly one of the most unusual. On the hill of Montjuïc, this garden is home to a unique collection of exotic plants from mountains, deserts and tropical jungles across the world. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this is the place for you, but be warned: it’s very steep! We’d recommend taking a bottle of water with you, or you might just feel as though you really are lost in the desert…

Mossen Costs i Llobera Garden - Ctra Miramar, 38 - Barcelona

10. Searching for Eros in the Labyrinth Park of Horta

Barcelona’s oldest park is a well-kept secret in the Horta neighbourhood. This park and museum are made up of two gardens, one with a neo-classic style and the other with a more romantic fee, but the park is best known for its incredible cypress maze. An impressive statue of Eros, the god of love, is hidden in the middle of the maze - a reward for the brave and intrepid few who get that far.

Labyrinth Park of Horta - Passeig dels Castanyers, 1 - Barcelona

We’re coming to the end of our guide to top ten unusual places to visit in Barcelona but every trip to the city should include a visit to one of the Catalonian capital’s must-see monuments!

Enjoy the view at the Sagrada Familia

With its traditional gothic towers, its contemporary stained glass and its art nouveau vault, Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral has to feature on our top 10 unusual places to visit in Barcelona. Even though it’s become a symbol of the city and a must-see for visitors, don’t visit without taking a moment to appreciate the universal appeal of this architectural gem.